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In 2023, Festool launched its battery-operated exoskeleton, the ExoActive, which makes light work of strenuous overhead tasks. It gives you an extra boost of strength before your arms get tired and at the same time takes the load off your neck. Users are impressed with the new helper – as the results of the test study show. It is not for nothing that Festool recently received an iF design award for the ExoActive. From May 2024, the Festool Work App is delivering optimum functional extras for everyday work with the ExoActive. How does the app provide support and what exactly does it do?

Festool's new ExoActive was very well received when it launched in 2023: an active exoskeleton powered by an 18-volt battery. A revolution for the building trade – whether dry mortarless construction or painting, sanding or installation, whether on walls or ceilings – ExoActive actively lends a helping hand. The ExoActive provides support during overhead work, whether using power tools, traditional hand tools or even bare hands. Consequently, with the stress on their body reduced, they can work without fatigue, enabling them to focus more on the quality of their work, and ultimately work more effectively and get more enjoyment out of the job. 

"The ExoActive reduces the load on users’ front shoulder muscles, 
which would otherwise feel the burn all day. This means that you can keep
your arms up much longer, reducing the time pressure and stress levels when setting the screw connection 
or producing a more even spray pattern." 

New additional functions with the Work App 

With the free Festool Work App (Android and iOS), the ExoActive will, in future, be even more customisable to suit the specific application and requirements – all via the smartphone touchscreen for added convenience. For example, the app can be used to show step-by-step instructions detailing how to adjust the ExoActive to the user's body size. The app also makes it easier to set the appropriate working mode: Either Flex or Fix mode. The Fix mode provides support in a fixed position of around 100 degrees in front of the body, for example during longer installation work in one place. In Flex mode, the position can be selected with complete freedom. The Fix or Flex mode are suitable for static work in the same position, for example. For asymmetrical work, the ExoActive offers support on one side for either the right or left arm, for example when using a cordless drill. Using the app, the ExoActive can be easily adjusted to suit the work situation in question. Of course, that's not all the app does: It also displays the charge status, calls up operating data such as the level of support and provides access to software updates and even tutorials on how to use the ExoActive most effectively.


Results from the customer testing study 
"To find out exactly how our new exoskeleton will be used in practice, we conducted an international test study in seven European countries between May and October 2023," explains Dominic Ender (Product Manager at Festool). "This gave around 300 test customers the opportunity to put the ExoActive through its paces on construction sites. And I have to say: The results speak for themselves, as they were very positive all round – there was great enthusiasm for the active support, especially when it came to overhead work." The final results indicated:
• 79 percent felt less physically exhausted 
• 74 percent felt their workload had been eased 
• 71 percent needed fewer breaks 
• 72 percent gave positive feedback on the operation/adjustments during work
• 70 percent gave positive feedback about the adjustments to their body shape
• 56 percent stated a higher quality of life 
• Quotes from multiple test customers (see at the end) 

iF Design Award for the ExoActive
"We are very proud to have received the 2024 iF Design Award for our ExoActive," says Dominic Ender. The ExoActive receives the globally recognised iF Design Award – one of the world's most important and prestigious design awards – for its outstanding design. 

Integrated into the Festool 18 volt system
The ExoActive is supplied along with all accessories in robust packaging that, in addition to protecting the product, also functions as a raised storage area. The ExoActive is powered by an 18-volt battery, which is also compatible with the entire Festool 18 Volt System. The ExoActive exoskeleton has been available from selected specialist dealers since October 2023 and the additional functions for targeted support have been available via the app since May 2024.

Background information on the ExoActive EXO18: Active system – easy to put on, just like a rucksack
The ExoActive is an active exoskeleton. This means that the user can precisely adjust the support setting to obtain the level of support required for the task at hand. Thanks to its powerful Festool 18-volt battery pack, the ExoActive gives users exactly the boost they need to make light work of tiring overhead tasks. Whether from the waist up, at chest height or overhead – users can set where they would like support, as well as the level of support they require, in a matter of seconds. If necessary, users can also pause the support boost completely. This way, the ExoActive can give users targeted support precisely where it's needed, while being as easy to put on as a rucksack. It can also be quickly adjusted to accommodate different body sizes so that its ergonomics work perfectly for all body types. "Once you know first hand what it's like to work supported by an active exoskeleton, you won't want to work on a wall or ceiling without our ExoActive ever again. The exoskeleton makes it much easier to avoid overexertion during overhead work in particular. Our ExoActive reduces the load on users’ front shoulder muscles by up to 30 percent*. This means that work feels up to one third easier. Additionally, we have an active system, which is a unique selling point in this product segment. 'Active' means that we supply it with power. This allows the ExoActive to be adapted almost instantly to any work situation. The ExoActive is powered by a Festool 18-volt battery pack, just like our other tools. This makes it the perfect addition to our existing battery system," explains Dominic Ender, Product Manager for the new ExoActive exoskeleton. 

Provides up to five kilograms of support
The ExoActive provides each underarm with an added boost of up to 50 Newtons. This is equivalent to reducing the load by approximately five kilograms. The PLANEX LHS 2-M long-reach sander weighs 3.9 kilograms, yet it feels almost as light as a feather in your hands. "Because the applications in the trades are so varied, the level of support provided by the ExoActive can be tailored specifically to the task at hand. You can set the support you need at any given moment by turning the controller. The exoskeleton has three predefined working ranges for easy control: From the waist up, from the chest up or overhead," explains Dominic Ender. The ergonomically designed, easy-to-reach control element allows users to switch the ExoActive on and off as needed, set the support level to any of five settings, and select the working range. If the user does not require any support for the time being, they can pause the system by pressing the button – for instance, if they want to pick up a screw or mix paint. 

TEST STUDY – APPROVED INFLUENCER QUOTES 

Adam Amari, UK
Painter from the United Kingdom: specialises in the restoration of historic buildings (Instagram: @restoringstleonards)
"When it comes to removing wallpaper or painting ceilings and walls, there's nothing better than the ExoActive from Festool."

George Goode, UK
Goode Decorating from the United Kingdom: specialises in painting and decorating work (Instagram: @goode_decorating01)
"Working overhead with the ExoActive is out of this world. Sanding, painting, lifting, holding – we give it 5 stars."

Grant Steel, UK  
Grant Steel from the United Kingdom: specialises in painting and decorating work (Instagram: @grantsteeldecorators)
"It's like having an assistant who is supporting me exactly where I need it most, without any effort from me."
"Not only does it increase my comfort, but it also allows me to focus on the quality of my work."
 
Karl Preiser, DE
Operations manager of LEHM360 from Germany: specialises in interior finishings made from clay
"A good investment in my health and my employees' health too. Ultimately, it may make the difference between an applicant choosing to work for your company or not, as it simply shows that you value the health of your employees." 
"Simply put, the ExoActive offers relief on the construction site, which makes working more pleasant."
"The ExoActive relieves the front shoulder muscles, which would otherwise feel the burn all day. This means that you can keep your arms up much longer, reducing the time pressure and stress levels when setting the screw connection or producing a more even spray pattern." 

Liam Gent, UK 
Gent Decorating from the United Kingdom: specialises in residential and commercial painting work (Instagram: @gentdecorating)
"There was a moment while working overhead when Carl switched off the ExoActive and you immediately felt the load go straight into your shoulders."

Maciej Hyd, PL 
Co-founder of BARRAT in Poland: specialises in the final completion of houses and flats 
"The ExoActive is an irreplaceable support when using the Planex to sand walls and ceilings. It is also perfect for any work that involves holding your arms up for long periods of time."
"The ExoActive is a revolutionary tool that makes work on the construction site faster, easier and more comfortable."
"The ExoActive is an absolute game changer in the renovation industry – I can no longer imagine working without this support, it's indispensable."


Sebastian Mogren, SE 
Works for Linjett in Sweden: specialises in the construction of yachts (Instagram: @linjett_yachts)
"I am especially grateful for the ExoActive when I'm working at chest height or above, because it supports and takes the strain off my arms, shoulders and neck!"

Viktor Malmberg, SE
Works for Gamla Uppsala Snickeri joinery in Sweden: specialises in kitchens and furniture (Instagram: @gamlauppsalasnickeri)
"New favourite! The skeleton is a real help if you often find yourself working with your hands above chest height. It's such a relief! And it's no worse than carrying a small, light rucksack."